Alice Cooper Kicks Off Summer in Style at Rose Music Center – Concert Review

April 25, 2026 | Huber Heights, Ohio

If there really is a fountain of youth out there, I’m convinced Alice Cooper knows exactly where to find it.

I’ve seen Alice multiple times over the years, and somehow, every single time, he feels more energized, more sharp, and more locked in than the last. A lot of artists who tour as much as he does fall into a routine—they play the same show, hit the same cues, and call it a night.

Alice Cooper doesn’t do that.

Every time I see him, I get something different. And that’s exactly what made opening night of the 2026 season at the Rose Music Center in Huber Heights feel so special.

From Photographer to Fan in Seconds

I’ve photographed Alice before, but it never gets old. Walking into the photo pit, camera in hand, I still had that moment where it hit me:

“I can’t believe I’m about to photograph Alice Cooper.”

Then the lights drop. The kabuki curtain falls.

And for a split second, I just stood there taking it in.

Before I snapped back to reality and reminded myself—you’ve got a job to do.

Those first few songs go by fast when you’re shooting. Almost too fast. But once the camera goes down, I get to do what I came for in the first place—just be a fan.

Alice’s Attic: Familiar, But Never Stale

This year’s “Alice’s Attic” theme gave the show a fresh visual twist, placing the performance inside a dark, theatrical attic setting that felt right at home with Alice’s style.

And while there are certain things you expect from an Alice Cooper show—the guillotine, the straitjacket, the cane—none of it feels tired.

That’s the difference.

He doesn’t just repeat the show. He reimagines it.

You still get the classics like “School’s Out,” “Poison,” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” but he mixes in deeper cuts and surprises that keep even longtime fans guessing.

This time around, songs like “Dangerous Tonight,” “Caught in a Dream,” “Muscle of Love,” and “Cold Ethel” made their way into the set—and then came something I never expected.

Alice Cooper covering “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

And somehow… it worked.

A Band That Never Misses

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Alice is that he surrounds himself with incredible musicians, and this current lineup is no exception. They have been the core band behind Cooper for a number of years now, and let’s hope that never changes. They ARE the Alice Cooper Band. Each member plays a vital role to the show and are essential to the magic that happens on stage.

Chuck Garric on bass. Glenn Sobel on drums. Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henriksen on guitar. This band is tight, powerful, and completely locked in.

They don’t just support the show—they elevate it.

Watching Anna Cara Step Into the Spotlight

I’ll be honest—this was one of the parts of the night I was watching most closely.

I’m a huge fan of Nita Strauss, so that guitar spot is something I pay attention to. It’s not just another position in the band—it’s a big role to step into.

So when Anna Cara took the stage, I was curious.

And by the end of the night, I was impressed.

She didn’t come out there like someone filling in. She owned it.

Her presence was calm, confident, almost stoic—but in a way that felt intentional, like she was fully locked into the character of the show. Her playing was sharp, her tone cut through, and when it was time for solos, she stepped up without hesitation.

By the time the night was over, I wasn’t comparing her to anyone.

I walked away a fan.

A Crowd That Spanned Generations

One of my favorite parts of any Alice Cooper show is just watching the crowd.

You’ve got people who have been seeing Alice since the ‘70s. You’ve got parents bringing their kids for the first time. You’ve got teenagers picking up their first Alice Cooper shirt.

It’s one of the few shows where there really is no generation gap.

And by the end of the night, it didn’t matter if you came to sit and take it in or stand and rock out—everyone was on their feet.

Why I’ll Never Skip an Alice Cooper Show

I’ve seen Alice Cooper more than once. I’ve photographed him more than once.

And I’ll go again the next chance I get.

Because the truth is, you never really know what you’re going to get—but you do know one thing:

He’s going to deliver.

Every time.

Walking back to the car that night, and even later as I was winding down, I kept thinking about how lucky I am—not just to see artists like Alice Cooper, but to photograph them.

That’s not something I take for granted.

It’s a gift.

And if you ever find yourself thinking, “I’ve already seen Alice Cooper, I don’t need to go again,”—don’t make that mistake.

Take every opportunity you can to see a legend like this while you still can.

Because nights like this are exactly why live music matters.